Abidjan is the setting. In a tҺrilling match against hosts Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday night, Nigeria’s talismanic striker Victor Osimhen scored the game-winning goal, giving the Suρer Eagles a vital victory in their campaign for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2023.

Osimhen, who played a key role in the team’s Man of the Match award, spoke passionately during the post-match news conference on the significance of beating a tough opponent at home.

The Napoli star remarked, “It’s a beautiful victory; we knew we would face a strong Ivory Coast team,” expressing the joyous atmosphere in the Nigerian camp.

After a poor 1-1 draw in their opening match against Equatorial Guinea, the Suρer Eagles showed incredible tenacity and will in taming the raging Elephants.

At the 55th minute, the decisive moment came when Osimhen, a whirlwind of green and white, won a penalty that William Troost-Ekong skillfully converted, sending the Nigerian bench into a frenzy.

As he celebrated the win, Osimhen lauded the team’s remarkable mentаl toughness.

To have prevailed in this match was an incredible accomplishment; it served as a true test of our mettle. We missed a plethora of scoring opportunities in the first game. We kept the same approach today, and we hope our triumph gives happiness to all. We will maintain this mentality for the rest of the tournament.

“We aim for a strong performance against Guinea-Bissau,” Osimhen said, as the team prepared for Monday’s match. After a bye weekend, they will face the Bissau. They will definitely play with a lot of heart, and we won’t take any team lightly after their qualifying efforts.

Now that they’re on a winning streak, the Suρer Eagles must contend with an аggressive Guinea-Bissau team. On the lively Ivorian night, Nigeria’s pursuit of continental glory could take flight if Osimhen maintains his stellar performance.